20 year survivors (or more) of triple negative breast cancer
Today is pretty exciting, I am officially a 20 year survivor of triple negative breast cancer.. pinch me!! Are there others out there who have reached this milestone?
I wrote frequently on this forum in 2006. I am from Calgary AB Canada, was 42 when diagonsed in 2006 stage IIA, grade 3, 1 postive breast node. Was in a clinical trial (NSABP) B-28, where they investigated the impact of adding paclitaxel (Taxol) to a standard adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for women with node-positive breast cancer. Taxol was not available in Canada at that time, and I fought to get it with the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. The internet was just coming alive at that point, and I had been able to research clinical papers on line and knew that they were getting better survivorship using Taxol for triple negative in Europe vs. what was being offered in Canada. So, I fought literally for my life to get it - and the only way I could was via the clinical trial.
At my first onocologist appointment I was given 3 years to live… and by the grace of god go I, 20 years later I am sharing this story with you. How lucky am I. I thank all the researchers, and doctors who have made this possible. I now have a few wrinkles I never expected to get, and my hair is just starting to go grey, and the gift of life that you gave me is priceless.
Hugs to all of you.
Comments
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@t9jorda - Congratulations on 20 years. What an incredible moment 💛 Thank you so much for coming here to share your story. Reading this is encouraging and will give so much hope to others who are just starting out! Thank you again!
The Mods
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Congratulations on such an inspiring story. There is such a benefit to study and advocate for ourselves. May you continue to brighten your path for many years to come!!
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Thank you for sharing your encouraging story!
Lyn
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I am 42 and just received my triple negative breast cancer diagnosis last week, and started the Keynote 522-regimen this week. Given that I have a little 2-year old girl, my greatest wish is to get through this and hopefully live a few more decades, to spend as much time with her and my family, as I can. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope to be able to do so 20 years down the road too, but one step at a time.
May you continue to live a beautiful and fulfilling life.2 -
Hi @navigatingtnbc , welcome to the community. We’re so sorry you’ve had to join us under these circumstances, but really glad you joined us!
We’re glad you found this thread, and we hope the long-term survivor stories bring you comfort and hope as you begin treatment. There are many members here who understand the fear and uncertainty of those first days after diagnosis, and we're all here for you, so please keep reaching out whenever you need support or just want to talk
Sincerely,
The Mods
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I am a 34 year survivor of triple negative breast cancer I had a recurrence at 19 years (very unusual) and it has been 15 years since then!
Both tumors were stage 1, with negative nodes. Lumpectomy, rads and chemo the first go round. and BMX and chemo the second.
I am here for you ladies.
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@t9jorda - I am confused as to have a doctor could tell you you had only three years to live with a Stage 2A diagnosis!
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